Book excerpt: Hands-on experts in nanomaterial synthesis and application describe in detail the key experimental techniques currently employed in novel materials synthesis, dynamic cellular imaging, and biological assays. The author's emphasize diverse strategies to synthesize and functionalize the use of nanoparticles for biological applications. Additional chapters focus on the use of biological components (peptides, antibodies, and DNA) to synthesize and organize nanoparticles to be used a building block in larger assemblies. These new materials make it possible to image cellular processes for longer durations, leading to high throughput cellular-based screens for drug discovery, drug delivery, and diagnostic applications. Highlights include overview chapters on quantum dots and DNA nanotechnology, and cutting-edge techniques in the emerging nanobiotachnology arena.